Baby Carrier

ABSTRACT

A baby carrier may comprise a panel extending upward from the waistband. The panel may extend over a torso of a caretaker, defining an interior space operable to receive a child, forming a seat. The panel may include adjustable fasteners operable to shorten a length of the panel by distributing and securing excess material at or near the bottom of the child, away from the face, minimizing health risks. The panel may couple to shoulder straps having adjustable fasteners to provide a proper fit for various body types. The panel may include adjustable siding operable to slide along the lower portion of each shoulder strap such that the adjustable siding cinches inward toward the panel, narrowing its width, providing a tailored and ergonomic seat.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a baby carrier.

BACKGROUND

Baby wearing can be beneficial to a child's social, emotional, and physical well-being. It can also strengthen the crucial bond between a caretaker and a child. Unfortunately, conventional carriers do not adequately adapt to children of different ages, sizes, or body shapes. An improperly fitted baby carrier can accelerate hip dysplasia or cause knee problems, overheating, or poor blood circulation, for example. Moreover, many products on the market distribute excess fabric near a child's face, which can increase risks of skin irritation or suffocation. Caretakers often struggle to adjust numerous components on conventional carriers to seek a proper fit, which can be difficult when trying to soothe an active or sleepy child. This can be particularly challenging when the caretaker must simultaneously carry an additional load or another child.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, nor does it identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter or define its scope. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed in a simplified form as a precursor to the more detailed description that is later presented.

Disclosed, among other things, is a baby carrier, which may provide significant improvements over products on the market by accommodating a wider range of users and eliminating safety risks inherent in conventional carriers. In one implementation, the baby carrier may comprise a waistband operable to secure around a waist of a caretaker. A panel comprising fabric or other material may extend upward from the waistband. The panel may be operable to extend over a torso of a caretaker, defining an interior space operable to receive a child and forming a seat to receive a bottom of the child. The panel may include adjustable fasteners that are operable to shorten a length of the panel by distributing and securing excess material at or near the bottom of the child, away from the face. This baby carrier design may eliminate risks of skin irritation, overheating, or suffocation inherent in conventional carriers that store excess fabric near a child's face.

A top portion of the panel may couple to a first end of shoulder straps. The shoulder straps may extend around a back of the caretaker such that a second end of each shoulder strap couples to a lateral side of the panel. The shoulder straps may include adjustable fasteners to provide a proper fit for various body types.

The panel may include adjustable siding, which may comprise fabric or other material disposed on each lateral end of the panel. The adjustable siding may be operable to slide along the lower portion of each shoulder strap such that the adjustable siding cinches inward toward the panel, narrowing its width, instantly providing a tailored and ergonomic seat for any sized child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description may be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one implementation.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one implementation.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one implementation.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one implementation.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a panel of a baby carrier, according to one implementation.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a waistband of a baby carrier, according to one implementation.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a shoulder strap of a baby carrier, according to one implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A more particular description of certain implementations of Baby Carrier may be had by references to the implementations shown in the drawings that form a part of this specification, in which like numerals represent like objects.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one implementation. Baby Carrier 100 may provide significant improvements over products on the market by accommodating a wider range of users, enhancing comfort and ease of use, and eliminating safety risks inherent in conventional carriers. In this example, Baby Carrier 100 may securely hold a Child 120 ranging from newborn to approximately 6 years old or weighing approximately 5 to 50 pounds, or another size range.

Baby Carrier 100 may comprise a Waistband 140 operable to fittingly wrap around a waist of Caretaker 110. Waistband 140 may comprise a padded, flexible material having a level of rigidity for stability. Waistband 140 may include an adjustable fastener, for example, a buckle and slide adjuster loops disposed on nylon webbing, to secure it in place.

Panel 150 may comprise fabric or another material extending upward from Waistband 140. Panel 150 may be operable to extend over a torso of Caretaker 110, defining an interior space operable to receive Child 120. Panel 150 may form Seat 160 to receive a bottom of Child 120. Panel 150 may further define openings through which limbs or extremities, for example, a child's legs, may pass. Adjustable Fastener 180 s may be disposed on an outer surface of a lower portion of Panel 150. Adjustable Fastener 180 s may be operable to shorten a length of Panel 150 by distributing and securing excess material at or near the bottom of Child 120 in Seat 160, away from the face. This Baby Carrier 100 design may enable proper breathing and ventilation, eliminating risks of skin irritation, overheating, or suffocation inherent in conventional carriers that store excess fabric near a child's face. In one implementation, Caretaker 110 may simply pull on ends of nylon webbing of Adjustable Fastener 180 s, tightening it, to shorten Panel 150, and slide adjuster loops down the nylon webbing, loosening it, to lengthen Panel 150. A shortened Panel 150 may provide an ergonomic fit for a smaller baby, and a lengthened Panel 150 provide an ergonomic fit for larger child.

A top portion of Panel 150 may couple to a first end of Shoulder Strap 130 s. Shoulder Strap 130 s may be operable to fit over shoulders of Caretaker 110. Shoulder Strap 130 s may extend around a back of Caretaker 110 such that a second end of each Shoulder Strap 130 couples to a lateral side of Panel 150. Shoulder Strap 130 s may include Adjustable Fastener 170 s disposed in an upper portion of Shoulder Strap 130 s. Adjustable Fastener 170 s may be operable to shorten or lengthen Shoulder Strap 130 by gathering or distributing excess material, for example, nylon webbing, of Shoulder Strap 130. Another set of adjustable fasteners may be disposed in a lower portion of Shoulder Strap 130 to couple the lower portion of Shoulder Strap 130 to lateral sides of Panel 150.

Panel 150 may include Adjustable Siding 190, which may comprise fabric or other material disposed on each lateral end of Panel 150. In one implementation, Adjustable Siding 190 may be operable to slide along the lower portion of each Shoulder Strap 130, near the area where the second end of each Shoulder Strap 130 couples to each lateral end of Panel 150, such that Adjustable Siding 190 cinches inward toward Panel 150, gathering excess material to instantly narrow a width of Panel 150, providing an ergonomic fit for any sized Child 120. This Baby Carrier 100 design may provide proper back support, neck support, and a desired “M” shape of Child 120 such that Child 120's knees are higher than a bottom of Child 120, a configuration that minimizes risks of hip dysplasia acceleration, knee injuries, or limited blood circulation, among other things. Baby Carrier 100 may provide enhanced comfort and ease of use over conventional products by enabling Caretaker 110 to adjust various parts of the carrier using a single hand. This may be beneficial when the caretaker must soothe an active, sleepy, or nursing child, or carry an additional load such as another child.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a Baby Carrier 200, according to one implementation. Panel 150 may extend upward from Waistband 140 and over a torso of Caretaker 110, defining an interior space operable to receive Child 120, forming Seat 160. Panel may include Adjustable Fastener 180 s, which may be operable to shorten a length of Panel 150 by distributing and securing excess material at or near the bottom of Child 120.

A top portion of Panel 150 may couple to a first end of Shoulder Strap 130 s. Shoulder Strap 130 s may extend around a back of Caretaker 110 such that a second end of each Shoulder Strap 130 couples to a lateral side of Panel 150. Adjustable Fastener 170 s may be disposed near the first end of Shoulder Strap 130 s to shorten or lengthen Shoulder Strap 130. Adjustable Fastener 210 s may be disposed in a lower portion of Shoulder Strap 130, near the sides of Caretaker 110's body. Adjustable Fastener 210 s may be operable to shorten Shoulder Strap 130, pulling Panel 150 closer to Caretaker 110's body, or to lengthen Shoulder Strap 130, allowing more space between Panel 150 and Caretaker 110's body, for example. In one implementation, Adjustable Fastener 210 may comprise a dual-adjusting side-release buckle and slide adjuster loops on nylon webbing operable to couple Shoulder Pad 130 to nylon webbing extending from Panel 150. For example, Caretaker 110 may simply pull one of two ends of nylon webbing to tighten Adjustable Fastener 210 in a forward or backward direction, pulling Panel 150 closer to Caretaker 150's body.

Panel 150 may include Adjustable Siding 190, which may be operable to slide along the lower portion of each Shoulder Strap 130 such that it cinches inward toward Panel 150, gathering excess material to instantly narrow a width of Panel 150, providing an ergonomic fit for any sized child.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one implementation. Baby Carrier 300 may comprise a Panel 150 extending upward from Waistband 140. Panel 150 may extend over a torso of Caretaker 110, defining an interior space operable to receive Child 120 and forming Seat 160. Panel may include Adjustable Fastener 180 s, which may be operable to shorten a length of Panel 150 by distributing and securing excess material at or near the bottom of Child 120, near Seat 160. A top portion of Panel 150 may couple to a first end of Shoulder Strap 130 s. Shoulder Strap 130 s may extend around a back of Caretaker 110 such that a second end of each Shoulder Strap 130 couples to a lateral side of Panel 150.

A top portion of Panel 150 may couple to a first end of Shoulder Strap 130 s. Shoulder Strap 130 s may extend around a back of Caretaker 110 such that a second end of each Shoulder Strap 130 couples to a lateral side of Panel 150. Adjustable Fastener 1 70 s may be disposed near the first end of Shoulder Strap 130 s to shorten or lengthen Shoulder Strap 130.

Adjustable Fastener 210 s may be disposed in a lower portion of Shoulder Strap 130, near the sides of Caretaker 110's body. Adjustable Fastener 210 s may be operable to shorten Shoulder Strap 130, pulling Panel 150 closer to Caretaker 110's body, or to lengthen Shoulder Strap 130, allowing more space between Panel 150 and Caretaker 110's body, for example. In one implementation, Adjustable Fastener 210 may comprise a dual-adjusting side-release buckle and slide adjuster loops on nylon webbing operable to couple Shoulder Pad 130 to nylon webbing extending from Panel 150. For example, Caretaker 110 may simply pull one of two ends of nylon webbing to tighten Adjustable Fastener 210 in a forward or backward direction, pulling Panel 150 closer to Caretaker 150's body.

A person skilled in the art will understand that adjustable fasteners disposed anywhere on the baby carrier may comprise material from the list including, but not limited to, nylon webbing, buckles, dual-adjusting buckles, slide adjuster loops, buttons, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, and magnets, among many other possibilities. Shoulder Strap 130 s may be configured in various arrangements, for example, a backpack, cross-back, or another configuration at a front or back side of a user, as needed to reduce back or neck strain and to enhance comfort, balance, and fit.

Panel 150 may include Adjustable Siding 190, which may be operable to slide along the lower portion of each Shoulder Strap 130 such that it cinches inward toward Panel 150, gathering excess material to narrow its width.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a baby carrier, according to one implementation. Baby Carrier 400 may include Back/Chest Clip 410, which may be operable to couple or secure Shoulder Strap 130 s. Back/Chest Clip 410 may be disposed at an upper portion of Caretaker 110's back or chest. In this example, Adjustable Fastener 420 may comprise nylon webbing coupled to slide adjuster loops and a side-release buckles to provide a rear enclosure of Waistband 140.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the baby carrier, or any components or accessories may include additional features including but not limited to ergonomic padding or cushions, or waterproof or water-resistant material, stain-resistant, or odor-controlling material. In one implementation, the baby carrier may include a pocket operable to receive a heating or cooling element, a hot or cold pack, or a fan, example. In another implementation, the baby carrier may include ventilation or humidity controlling elements, for example, a breathable or ventilated fabric or a dehumidifying device. In yet another implementation, the baby carrier may include a vibrating element to enable a massage sensation for the child or caretaker. In yet other implementations, the baby carrier may include or incorporate any other components or accessories, including but not limited to hoods, blankets, pockets, batteries, transmitters or receivers to facilitate wireless communications, data collection or storage, or any electronic connections, among many possibilities.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a Panel 150 of a baby carrier, according to one implementation. A person skilled in the art will understand that Baby Carrier 100, or any components or accessories, may be made of any material or combination of materials including but not limited to cotton, polyester, nylon, bamboo, linen, hemp, wool, silk, cashmere, polypropylene, for example, and that Panel 150 may also comprise any shape, size, or color.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a Waistband 140 of Baby Carrier 600, according to one implementation. In one implementation, Waistband 140 may include inserts comprised of aluminum, or another material, to provide support and allow for a narrower belt.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a Shoulder Strap 130 of Baby Carrier 700, according to one implementation. A person skilled in the art will understand that Shoulder Strap 130 or any component of Baby Carrier 700, or accessories, may include additional features including but not limited to ergonomic padding or cushions, or waterproof or water-resistant material, stain-resistant, or odor-controlling material, among many other possibilities.

While the detailed description above has been expressed in terms of specific examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other configurations could be used. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that various equivalent modifications of the above-described implementations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Additionally, the illustrated operations in the description show certain events occurring in a certain order. In alternative implementations, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or removed. Moreover, steps may be added to the above-described logic and still conform to the described implementations. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially, or certain operations may be processed in parallel. 

1. A baby carrier, comprising: a waistband; a panel; a shoulder strap; a plurality of adjustable fasteners; an adjustable siding, wherein the adjustable siding comprises material disposed at each lateral end of the panel.
 2. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the adjustable fasteners are disposed on a lower portion of the panel.
 3. The baby carrier of claim 2, wherein the adjustable fasteners disposed on a lower portion of the panel are operable to shorten a length of the panel by gathering excess material at or near a child's bottom;
 4. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the adjustable fasteners are disposed on a first end of the shoulder strap.
 5. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the adjustable fasteners are disposed on a second end of the shoulder strap.
 6. The baby carrier of claim 4, whereby the adjustable fasteners disposed on the first or second end of the shoulder strap are operable to shorten a length of the shoulder strap by gathering excess shoulder strap material.
 7. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the adjustable fasteners comprise material from the list including, but not limited to, nylon webbing, buckles, dual-adjusting buckles, slide adjuster loops, buttons, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, and magnets.
 8. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the adjustable siding is operable to shorten its width by sliding along the second end of the shoulder strap, such that the adjustable siding cinches inward toward the panel, gathering excess material of the adjustable siding or of the panel and distributing and securing the excess fabric at or near a child's bottom.
 9. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a back or chest clip, wherein the back of chest clip couples or secures the shoulder straps.
 10. The baby carrier of claim 1, further comprising a seat disposed at a lower portion of the panel, wherein the seat is operable to receive a bottom of a child or other load.
 11. The baby carrier of claim 1, wherein the panel or any other parts or accessories of the baby carrier comprise materials selected from the list including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, nylon, bamboo, linen, hemp, wool, silk, and cashmere.
 12. A method of carrying a load on a body of a user, the method comprising: securing a waistband of a carrier around a waist of the user, wherein the waistband includes an adjustable fastener; extending a panel of the carrier over a torso of the user, wherein the panel extends upward from the waistband, wherein the panel defines an interior space operable to receive the load; adjusting a length of the panel by loosening or tightening one or more adjustable fasteners disposed on the panel, wherein the adjustable fasteners on the panel are operable to shorten a length of the panel by distributing and securing excess material at or near the bottom of the load; coupling one or more adjustable fasteners disposed on a top portion of the panel to one or more adjustable fasteners a first end of one or more shoulder straps of the carrier, wherein the shoulder straps are operable to fit over shoulders of the user; adjusting a width of the panel by cinching an adjustable siding inward toward a center of the panel to narrow a width of the panel, or sliding the adjustable siding away from the center of the panel to widen the width of the panel, wherein the adjustable siding is composed of fabric or other material disposed on each lateral end of the panel.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the interior space defined by the panel forms a seat operable to receive a bottom of a child.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the panel defines openings for limbs or extended parts of the load to pass.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein adjusting or securing the adjustable fasteners on the panel comprise the steps of pulling ends of nylon webbing of the adjustable fasteners to tighten it, and sliding adjuster loops down the nylon webbing to loosen it and lengthen the panel.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the shoulder straps extend around a back of the user such that a second end of each shoulder strap couples to a lateral side of the panel.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the shoulder straps include adjustable fasteners disposed in an upper portion of the shoulder straps.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjustable fasteners on the shoulder straps are operable to shorten or lengthen the shoulder strap by gathering or distributing excess material, for example, nylon webbing, of the shoulder strap.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein another set of adjustable fasteners are disposed in a lower portion of the shoulder strap to couple the lower portion of the shoulder strap to lateral sides of the panel.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the adjustable siding is operable to slide along the lower portion of each shoulder strap, near an area where the second end of each shoulder strap couples to the lateral side of the panel.
 21. The method of claim 12, further comprising a step of adjusting various parts of the carrier using a single hand. 